Back for another year, Last Train Home continues to cement its well-earned reputation as one of the North East’s most exciting day festivals, showcasing some of the freshest talent across multiple genres and venues in Darlington.
Kicking things off with a theatrical punch, Machine Music appeared in monk robes and delivered a high-energy set that fused goth, punk, and doom rock. Beneath the spectacle lay razor-sharp musicianship including killer basslines, jagged riffs, and standout tracks like ‘Dystopian Virginia’ and ‘Pedestrian Sex Song’. This was a brilliant, slightly unhinged opener.
At the Hippodrome, George Bailey’s gravelly vocals and slick band delivered emotional punch and swagger, with ‘Never Know’ and ‘Nothing Now’ demonstrating his knack for crafting irresistible melodies.
Hels Pattison brought catchy, country-tinged folk-rock. ‘Merry Go Round’ shimmered, while ‘Sticks and Stones’ suggested an exciting new direction, blending pop with Radiohead-esque layers.
On the Noisy Daughters stage, That Clare offered lo-fi electronica-meets-alt-rock, with tracks like ‘Just Because’ veering into Smashing Pumpkins-style melancholy. Later, Courtney Dixon brought fiery pop-rock confidence, her voice cutting through with precision and power.
Meanwhile, over at The Forum, Dupla delivered one of the day’s most unique sets, blending electro, Basque rap, pop and hip-hop, complete with a literal cheese and wine offering. Equal parts party and performance art – they absolutely owned it.
Perfect Chicken tore up the lounge with balaclavas, chaos, and punk-ska brilliance. Three songs about pork? Why not – it worked. The crowd went wild.
Back at the Hippodrome, acoustic artist Anna Stevo silenced the room with a mesmeric voice and moving originals. J.P. Riggall followed with stripped-down Weathership songs and a ghostly vocal style that lingered long after.
Newcastle’s Lovely Assistant gave a lush and layered main stage set, with interlocking vocals and standout track ‘Last of the Aircraft Are Leaving’ proving why their album ‘Fuck Love’ is getting such attention.
As night fell, TV Death delivered a relentless, glam-goth-punk set at The Forum, before The Pale White gave a ferocious, confident performance echoing their recent momentum.
The night ended with Du Blonde, joined by Courtney Dixon on guitar, in a set that was raw, heartfelt, and triumphant. ‘TV Star’ and ‘All the Way’ ended the evening in joyous sing-a-long style.
Last Train Home thrived again. Congratulations to all involved.
